Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

This passage is quoted in the Gospel of Matthew (1:23). Matthew says:

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew is calling attention Isaiah’s prophecy in order to make it clear to Jewish persons that the happenings of Jesus’ birth were written in the book of Isaiah - part of the Hebrew scriptures. He takes the old familiar and makes brings new meaning into it.

Some of America’s familiar Christmas components are Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Christmas carols and presents under the tree. How can we change the meaning, like Matthew did with the Isaiah passage?

Santa gives to all just like Jesus gave to all.

Rudolph offered his ability to help. Christmas carols are fun, and the old toe-tappers from the 40s, 50s and 60s make us smile. Let’s remember that the joyous music can help us recall the first Christmas music, the music angels sang while shepherds kept their sheep.

Presents under the tree remind us of God’s gift in Christ.

Pray: Lord, help me to find true meaning in all of the seasons traditions. Help me to remember that it came from you and is all for you. Amen